Enamel signs
Vintage enamel signs continue to captivate collectors, and for Andy and Tim, they’re a true passion.
After years of exploring barns, markets, garages, and forgotten collections, this rust-seeking duo has uncovered hundreds of enamel signs—from classic advertising and household brands to petroliana, farm supplies, beverages, transport, and more.
Their love for these colourful, glossy relics doesn’t just preserve the past—it fuels their ongoing adventure into the diverse and fascinating world of enamel sign collecting.
Join them as they explore, restore, and celebrate the charm, craftsmanship, and character of these timeless treasures.
The history of enamel signs
Enamel signs hold a unique place in advertising history—bold, colourful, and built to last.
Their story begins in the mid-1800s, when European manufacturers discovered that fusing powdered glass to metal created a hard-wearing, weather-resistant surface. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, enamel signage had become the gold standard for brands looking to stand out in bustling streets, shops, and petrol stations.
From household goods and food products to transport companies, tobacco brands, agricultural suppliers, garages, and global corporations, enamel signs became iconic visual ambassadors of the era. Their rich colours, glossy finish, and ability to withstand decades of sun, rain, and wear made them far superior to painted wood or early printed posters.
Enamel signage peaked between the 1900s and 1950s, an era often considered the “golden age” of enamel advertising.
As printing technologies advanced and production costs fell, enamel signs gradually gave way to cheaper materials such as tin, cardboard, and later plastic. Today, the surviving originals are cherished for their craftsmanship, character, and nostalgia—each one a vibrant fragment of commercial history.
Shell
Shell Oil became one of the most recognisable names in motoring history, thanks in part to its bold branding and iconic scallop shell logo. From the early 1900s onward, Shell’s enamel signs lit up garages and roadside stations with bright yellows and deep reds—colours chosen to stand out to motorists from a distance. Today, these classic signs capture the spirit of early fuel advertising and remain some of the most sought-after pieces in the world of petroliana and enamel sign collecting.
No Smoking Switch off Engine
The Petroleum Regulation Act 1928 enamel sign is a striking reminder of Britain’s early efforts to standardise safety in the storage and handling of fuel. Bold and authoritative in design, these signs were displayed at garages, workshops, and fuel depots to inform staff and the public of essential legal requirements. Today, surviving examples are prized not only for their clean typography and classic enamel craftsmanship, but also for the glimpse they offer into a pivotal era when motoring was rapidly expanding and safety regulations were taking shape.
Esso
Esso is one of the most iconic names in fuel history, instantly recognisable for its bold branding and friendly “Happy Motoring” spirit. From the mid-20th century onward, Esso enamel signs became staples of roadside garages and service stations, showcasing bright blues, reds, and whites that stood out to passing motorists. Today, these classic signs are cherished by collectors for their vibrant designs, nostalgic charm, and connection to an era when motoring culture was at its peak.
Pratts
Pratts was one of Britain’s earliest and most respected petrol brands, known for its distinctive blue and yellow signage that lit up garages long before the major oil companies we know today. Pratts enamel signs, with their elegant lettering and early 20th-century charm, marked a pioneering era in motoring when reliability and quality were everything. Today, these signs are highly sought after by collectors, treasured for their rare designs and rich connection to the foundations of Britain’s petrol industry.
Hunting Rusty Relics
Join Andy and Tim on 'Hunting Rusty Relics' and travel across the UK in search of rusty relics.
Not only will you see some fantastic old signs, but you'll meet some collectors and enthusiasts.
Filming in 2025 has started so keep an eye out for new episodes.